Who doesn’t love a furry embrace from a pet after a long day? Pets help relieve stress and provide unconditional love, while also brightening your life. But it is also important to ensure that they are in the best of health.
“Providing home care for pets is important, but some treatments require the expertise of a veterinarian,” says Dr. Shivangi Raina – Product Executive Manager, Drools. People can take care of the basics of getting exercise, but treatments like special vaccinations, teeth cleanings and diagnostic tests should be done by a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment even in some medical conditions and emergencies. Requires professional attention. Make sure you visit the vet regularly, get preventative care and detect health problems early.”
Ahead of World Veterinary Day tomorrow, Dr Raina explains why your four-legged friend needs regular checkups.
Regular checkups can be life-saving
Being a pet parent comes with many responsibilities. As a pet owner, you play an important role in your pet’s life, following the veterinarian. Veterinarians play an important role in maintaining your pet’s health, and it is essential for them to feel comfortable with veterinarians from an early age. Taking them for regular checkups can be lifesaving. These visits are not just about vaccination; They are comprehensive health assessments that can detect potential issues before they become serious problems.
Preparing Your Pet for a Veterinarian Visit
Try to get your pet used to having his entire body touched and handled, including sensitive areas like feet, paws, ears and mouth. The best time to start this is when they are young. Introduce your pet to its carrier by letting it loose with a familiar bed in your home. Sprinkle catnip on cats or give them treats or use dog toys to encourage them to explore and feel relaxed. This way, you can associate the carrier with positive experiences. Make the carrier a safe and familiar place for your pet. If possible, take short walks with them or even take a car ride in the carrier.
right food
Before you go out with your dog to go to the veterinarian, feed them a light, easily digestible food that will not upset their stomach during the trip. Choose plain boiled chicken or rice.
How often should you take your pet to the veterinarian:
Puppies: Monthly health checks during early puppyhood (up to 16 weeks) are recommended. These visits include vaccinations, heartworm, tick and flea medications.
Adult Dogs: Annual wellness exams are specific for adult dogs. These visits include vaccinations, heartworm testing, dental exams and other preventive measures.
Senior Pets: Senior dogs (7 years and older) should visit the veterinarian semi-annually (approximately every six months). Diagnostic tests may be recommended to assess overall health.
what tests need to be done
When visiting the veterinarian, it is important to get your pet checked for various health problems and conditions. Your veterinarian will perform a thorough examination, including checking for signs of common diseases such as heartworm disease, Lyme disease, and other tick-borne diseases. They may recommend diagnostic tests such as bloodwork, urinalysis, and imaging studies to check for underlying health concerns.
Additionally, your veterinarian can provide preventive care measures such as vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and dental exams to help keep your pet healthy.
